USS Enterprise CV-6
The Most Decorated Ship of the Second World War

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Accounts - James W. Shepherd

Letter from Great Lakes Training Station

August 11, 1941

Mr. Ralph Wagner Shepherd
Chillicothe, Ohio

Dear Sir,

It gives me pleasure to inform you that your son has reported on this Station and is under-going training and instruction in the duties of the Naval Service.

Unless it is deemed necessary for the welfare of your son you are urgently requested not to visit him during the twenty-one day period immediately following his arrival at the training station for the reason that during this period the apprentice seamen are in quarantine in Camp Barry, which is a segregated part of the training station. This twenty-one day period has been found to be most necessary to prevent the spread of any communicable disease which may have been contracted by the recruit prior to his enlistment. It is for the recruit's own benefit.

A letter of instruction regarding the Training Period for Apprentice Seaman is enclosed.

Very truly yours,
JOHN DOWNES
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy,
Commanding Officer.

Apprentice Seamen are assigned to Naval Training Stations for a period of training and instruction in the fundamentals of the Naval Service. This period of training lasts eight weeks, at the end of which time, the apprentice seaman is entitled to seven days leave plus two days travel time prior to assignment to his regular duties in the Navy, provided that he has sufficient funds to defray expenses of travel, and that his conduct has been satisfactory.

The Navy endeavors, in the training of apprentice seamen, to instill discipline and create ambition, and to develop sturdy, well balanced men who will be useful in civil life as well as in the service. Particular attention is paid to their physical, mental and moral welfare. Regular habits are established immediately upon their arrival; wholesome exercise constitutes a part of the daily routine, and their health is constantly guarded through personal observation and necessary medical and dental treatment.

They are given excellent food, daily amusement and recreation, religious counsel and opportunities for public worship.

The apprentice seaman will be instructed to write home frequently, but if he fails to do this, his parents should not be greatly disturbed, for in case of serious illness they will be notified immediately. Frequent cheerful letters from home are a benefit to the apprentice seaman, and are the best means of encouraging him to write frequently. Letters addressed to him at "U.S. Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois, Company 121", will be delivered promptly while he is in training. His parents should instruct him to keep them informed of any change of address, so that his mail will be delivered without delay.

IMPORTANT

UNLESS DEEMED NECESSARY FOR THE WELFARE OF THE MAN, PARENTS AND RELATIVES ARE URGENTLY REQUESTED NOT TO VISIT APPRENTICE SEAMEN DURING THE TWENTY-ONE DAY PERIOD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THEIR ARRIVAL AT THE TRAINING STATION for the reason that during this period the apprentice seamen are in quarantine in Camp Barry, which is a segregated part of the training station. This twenty-one day period has been found to be most necessary to prevent the spread of any communicable disease which may have been contracted by the recruit prior to his enlistment. It is for the recruit's own protection.

A large, well equipped, comfortable Hostess House on the station provides a social center where enlisted men may receive their relatives and friends during visiting hours after the twenty-one day quarantine period has been completed. There is also a well stocked library, and a reading room in the Hostess House.

Inquiries regarding apprentice seamen should be addressed to the "Commanding Officer, U.S. Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois."

JOHN DOWNES
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy,
Commanding Officer.